Burnhouse Lane, developed by Harvester Games, is a striking and unique creation from a small independent team that masterfully combines horror, adventure, and thought-provoking storytelling for one of the breakout surprises of this year. As the creators of acclaimed titles like The Cat Lady, Downfall and Lorelai, Harvester Games once again delivers an experience that pushes the boundaries of how video games deal with narratives.
The game’s premise centers around Angie Weather, an agency nurse grappling with terminal illness and the loss of her husband. On the verge of giving up, Angie embarks on a last-ditch effort to regain control of her life. She accepts a job caring for an elderly man in the countryside, which leads her to a mysterious door in the basement and an otherworldly realm called Burnhouse Lane.
Burnhouse Lane’s narrative takes players on a captivating journey filled with dark horror, surreal landscapes, and thought-provoking themes. The writing and storytelling skillfully weave together elements of serial killers, magical realism, and animal magic, resulting in an experience that is going to feel distinctly unique. The people you run into are well-realized too, with a cast of memorable and diverse characters.
In terms of gameplay, Burnhouse Lane presents a simple yet effective approach. The 2D world allows players to move their character from left to right, offering a run button that becomes more and more important later in the game. Interacting with items and solving puzzles with them – a bit like in the classic adventure games of old – is how you progress through the narrative.
One of the game’s strengths lies in its diverse gameplay mechanics. Players are tasked with completing a checklist of objectives that range from simple tasks to engaging in combat encounters while managing resources. The combination of light survival horror shooting mechanics, inspired by genre greats like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, with adventure-style inventory puzzles and branching dialogues keeps the gameplay experience intriguing and varied throughout the game’s runtime.
Visually, Burnhouse Lane is a wonderful experience. The hand-drawn character animations and meticulously crafted environments immerse players in a strange and unsettling world, with diverse locations that all ooze character while displaying a good amount of variety in their visual designs. The use of different color schemes adds atmosphere to this as well, providing a perfect backdrop for Angie’s surreal journey.
Accompanying the visuals is an outstanding soundtrack that helps build the game’s atmosphere, covering genres such as post-rock, electronic, and ambient for a wide range of moods and locations. The full English voice acting helps bring the characters to life, adding depth and warmth to their personalities.
While Burnhouse Lane excels in many aspects, some minor drawbacks can be identified. While the narrative and audiovisual presentation are amazing, the platforming sections can feel a little rough and imprecise. However, these moments of frustration are forgivable given the game’s numerous strengths and its ambition to deliver an original and captivating gem of a game, which you’ll want to enjoy for its story rather than its platforming.
In conclusion, Burnhouse Lane is a standout release in the indie scene. Its engaging narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive audio all add up to a memorable experience that resonates with players both intellectually and emotionally. Harvester Games has once again proven their mastery in crafting thought-provoking and unsettling adventures. Burnhouse Lane is a must-play for fans of dark, atmospheric storytelling and those seeking a gaming experience that’s a bit different from the norm.
Score: 8.5/10
Press Play Media 